This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/8195329.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Animal poisoning cut 'not enough' Animal poisoning cut 'not enough'
(30 minutes later)
The number of animals in Scotland deliberately poisoned last year dropped slightly to 23 - 10 fewer than in 2007. The number of animals in Scotland deliberately poisoned last year dropped slightly to 23 - 12 fewer than in 2007.
The figures, released by the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme, included deliberate attacks on 11 birds of prey.The figures, released by the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme, included deliberate attacks on 11 birds of prey.
Environment minister Roseanna Cunningham said the reduction in incidents was not enough.Environment minister Roseanna Cunningham said the reduction in incidents was not enough.
The total number of deliberate and accidental poisoning cases in 2008 was put at 175, a drop of 15 on the previous year.The total number of deliberate and accidental poisoning cases in 2008 was put at 175, a drop of 15 on the previous year.
The overall figures included the deaths of two golden eagles and the poisoning of domestic pets, livestock and honey bees. The overall figures included the poisoning of domestic pets, livestock and honey bees.
'Abuse travesty''Abuse travesty'
Carbofuran - a banned insecticide - was involved in 14 of the incidents, while only one incident was categorised as an approved use of a pesticide.Carbofuran - a banned insecticide - was involved in 14 of the incidents, while only one incident was categorised as an approved use of a pesticide.
The figures do not include the deaths of two golden eagles who were found poisoned earlier this year.
Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), which runs the scheme, said improvements were vital.Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), which runs the scheme, said improvements were vital.
Louise Batchelor, chair of the wildlife crime charity PAW Scotland, said the signs of improvement were encouraging, but added: "Twenty-three reported cases of deliberate abuse is a travesty.Louise Batchelor, chair of the wildlife crime charity PAW Scotland, said the signs of improvement were encouraging, but added: "Twenty-three reported cases of deliberate abuse is a travesty.
"Illegal poisoning is an out-dated practice, causing horrific deaths for some of our most iconic species and we need to consign it to the history books.""Illegal poisoning is an out-dated practice, causing horrific deaths for some of our most iconic species and we need to consign it to the history books."
Ms Cunningham added: "Pesticides can be implemented safely but careless or, worst, deliberate misuse can have devastating consequences for our food and natural environment. We cannot allow the welfare of our wildlife to be endangered in this way."Ms Cunningham added: "Pesticides can be implemented safely but careless or, worst, deliberate misuse can have devastating consequences for our food and natural environment. We cannot allow the welfare of our wildlife to be endangered in this way."
The WIIS Scotland is one of four programmes operating in the UK investigating the possible pesticide poisoning of animals.The WIIS Scotland is one of four programmes operating in the UK investigating the possible pesticide poisoning of animals.